How is Solar Energy used

How can Solar Energy be used in a passive way? An important question, since it is the main source of any energy on this planet.The sun shines more or less depending on your geographical location. And there is more than one way to collect and use the solar energy.

For example, a building can be built in a way that more sunlight than with normal building is let in, and so less electricity or heating is needed.

Passive Solar energy is used since humankind began erecting buildings. The Greek and the Chinese are known to have oriented their buildings to the south to catch the light and warmth.The Romans actually had a “right to light”.

In the Middle Ages there was competition in Europe between the Bishops about who was building the Cathedral with the most light inside. The building took generations, so the bishop who started the project never lived to see the final result.